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Lauren

I’m so happy for you guys. About time!

I text Ay next.

Me

Shhh. Do you want to go to Bron’s in the morning?

She answers.

Ay

Yes.

Me

What are you guys doing?

Ay

Lux is already sleeping. I think she’s exhausted.

Me

You go to sleep too. Adri is coming to pick you up at 7.

I set my alarm and barely sleep. I’m happy and excited. She’s giving me a chance, and now we are starting with the doors open. No secrets or hiding.

I blink, and my alarm goes off.

Adri

I’m outside.

Crap. I shoot out of bed, and when I start to head upstairs, Ay is already coming down.

“She’s still sleeping. See you later, Papi.”

I hug her and walk her outside. Adri is parked, and I walk Ay to the car, thank her, and wave them off.

When I get upstairs, Lux is still asleep in her bed. I stand there, watching her, taking it all in. I don’t know what to do first. Then her hand shoots up toward me. I shrug my shirt and pants and take her hand, climbing in beside her. She rolls into my arms. Her body is warm from sleep. I wrap my arms around her.

Then her head comes up. “Wait, where’s?—?”

“At Bron’s.”

“So, we’re alone?” She presses herself closer to me, tilting her face up with a smile.

I indulge her with my hand behind her neck, kissing her like I wanted to when she asked me to stay and throughout the night. Her tongue flicks against mine while her hands roam my back, drifting lower.

I pull my mouth from hers. “Are you sure? You’re mourning, and I don’t want to take advantage.”

The smile blooms again on her lips. Then she laughs. “You sent our girl away only a few hours after I told you to stay on the couch. Then you take your clothes off and climb in my bed…” She takes my face in her hands. “You’re sensitive, and I love that about you. I love you for it.”

My chest almost caves in at the feeling coursing through my veins. I’ve missed hearing it from her lips. “I love you too, more than my life, Luciana.” And I kiss her again. “If all you wanted me to do is hold you, I can do that. I’ll always be here to support you and listen.”

Her eyes fill with tears, and she nods. Then she swallows and shakes her head. “I don’t want to cry. I slept so heavy last night. I had not slept since I got the call in Positano. You know why?”